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Boo birds greet Sox in enemy territory

Boo birds greet Sox in enemy territory

NEW YORK -- The Boston Red Sox may be adopting Yankee Stadium as their home for the next two nights, but that doesn't mean Yankee Stadium has to adopt the American League East leaders.

One of the questions that has lingered over the 79th All-Star Game -- would Bronx fans overlook their Boston bias in favor of AL partisanship? -- was answered emphatically during Monday afternoon's workout.

And the answer: No! Or, rather: Boo!

Each of the six Red Sox wearing "American" practice jerseys was booed lustily as he took his turn in the batting cage.

Even an ersatz Boston All-Star got the treatment. David Ortiz, knocked off the active All-Star roster by his recovering left wrist injury, took a turn in the cage and under the shower of boos.

Ortiz's workout, actually, was enough to encourage the first-place Red Sox, who hope to be able to soon reinsert him into their lineup. Ortiz took infield drills at first base, showing no problem making left-handed tosses. But the best sign of his improving condition was having to check his swing on a BP pitch, and doing so without grimace.

Those "American" pregame jerseys, incidentally, were Yankees colored.

Coincidence or not, the fan behind the home dugout couldn't resist yelling to Varitek, as Boston's team captain came off the field: "Hey, Varitek -- you look good in blue and white!"

Tom Singer is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.